Canoeing at San Jose City, Nueva Eclija, The Philippines

The San Jose River is easily accessed from Manila by bus – it takes about 6 hours. Access to the river is easily achieved along the highway heading north, whether by car, bus or jeepney. The following map will help you plan your trip – see www.mapplanet.com/?do=map&id=4900470&lat=15.8600&lon=120.3847. Better still use the Canoe Trip Map 1 I have constructed at http://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106791913239054408744.000443a6386cb1a223c36&ll=15.918413,120.976639&spn=0.320252,0.63858&t=h&z=11&om=1
The river is grade 1-2 gravel races, so its well suited to beginners, though it might be advisable to undertake the trip when there is more water in the river (ie. After rain) so you don’t spend too much time on gravel. According to my trip notes, and my limited observation of this river, the section marked is navigable and offers some water flow and the possibility of rapids. Some rapids are evidence from the Mahalika Highway, though these are mostly gravel races suitable for beginners and children. Above a marked river confluence there is too little water, and below the Cowboy Grill (exit point on the highway), the river is flat, and thus boring for all concerned.